For the fifth straight year, the New York Rangers have landed the top spot on Forbes' list of the most valuable NHL teams.
The Rangers lead all NHL teams with a worth of $1.65 billion - a 6% increase from 2018. They also made the most revenue ($270 million) and operating income ($123 million) of any team during the 2018-19 campaign despite not making the playoffs the past two seasons.
The Taylor Hall sweepstakes are officially underway, and they may not be here long.
The pending unrestricted free agent sat out New Jersey's most recent game Friday and he's expected to do so again Saturday. It appears the former Hart Trophy winner has played his last game with the Devils.
Here are the five teams with the best chances of landing the superstar forward.
Colorado Avalanche
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
Record: 21-8-3 (1st in Central) Cap space this season: $6.4M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $23.6M
No team is in a better position to land Hall and his $6-million cap hit. The Avalanche check off all the boxes: They are Stanley Cup contenders, hold the necessary draft pick capital, boast a prospect pipeline bursting with talent, and have ample cap space this season and moving forward for a possible extension.
Colorado may be the best team in the NHL, and the addition of Hall would turn it into the clear Cup favorite. He could suit up alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen on the top line or anchor a second line with Nazem Kadri and one of Joonas Donskoi or Andre Burakovsky. Either way, the Avs would become a legitimate nightmare for opponents.
Whether the Devils are looking for forward or defense help, the Avs have it. Forwards Shane Bowers (acquired from the Senators in the Matt Duchene trade) and Martin Kaut are both former first-round picks. If the Avalanche refuse to part with 2019 fourth overall pick Bowen Byram, they could dangle blue-liner Conor Timmins, the 32nd selection in 2017, as a part of a big package.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 18-10-4 (3rd in Metropolitan) Cap space this season: $1.5M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $22.75M
Don't put anything past Jim Rutherford.
The Penguins are enjoying an outstanding season so far despite having both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the lineup for just six of the team's 32 games. Don't be surprised if the savvy, veteran general manager makes a splash to give his squad another shot at a Stanley Cup while Sid and Geno are still elite.
Pittsburgh's farm system isn't what you'd consider rich. However, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph (acquired from the Coyotes in the Phil Kessel trade) plus 2019 first-rounder Samuel Poulin and additional draft picks could get it done.
Pittsburgh may have to include struggling forward Alex Galchenyuk ($4.9 million AAV) in the deal to make it work cap-wise. Galchenyuk is a pending UFA, but the Devils could showcase him until the trade deadline to build his value before flipping him to another team.
Nashville Predators
Jeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / Getty
Record: 14-11-5 (6th in Central) Cap space this season: $2.6M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $12M
David Poile is another general manager who isn't a stranger to a blockbuster trade. Poile and Devils GM Ray Shero have recent history too, as the Predators sent P.K. Subban to New Jersey this past summer.
The Preds are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but they have games in hand, and it feels like the organization is in win-now mode. Hall could help it reach the playoffs, and if Pekka Rinne or Juuse Saros get hot, this team is capable of going on a run.
Someone like pending UFA Craig Smith ($4.25 million AAV) may have to be included for cap reasons, but the Devils could also retain up to 50% of Hall's salary. Nashville could use highly touted prospects Philip Tomasino and Eeli Tolvanen, along with a collection of draft picks, as trade bait.
New York Islanders
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 21-7-2 (2nd in Metropolitan) Cap space this season: $6M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $17.3M
Lou Lamoriello has remained quiet amid all the Hall rumors, but the "Godfather" could have some tricks up his sleeve.
The Islanders have been one of the league's most consistent teams this season, but adding another much-needed game-breaking talent alongside Mathew Barzal would go a long way in helping the team's Stanley Cup chances.
Both Barzal and Ryan Pulock are RFAs this summer, but the Islanders would likely still have enough cap space to offer Hall a long-term contract.
In addition to the necessary cap space, the Islanders also have multiple high-end prospects, including 2018 first-round picks Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson. Since Shero would be negotiating with a division rival, he'd be wise to demand at least one of them as part of a hefty package.
St. Louis Blues
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 19-8-6 (2nd in Central) Cap space this season: $20,326 Projected 2020-21 cap space: $7.72M
Why not try and make it back-to-back Stanley Cups, right?
Cap space may be tight, but there's a way to navigate this. Goaltender Jake Allen, who carries a $4.35-million hit this season and next, could head the other way. Allen owns a sparkling .925 save percentage during his resurgent season and could potentially help solve New Jersey's goaltending woes.
Obviously, other pieces, such as prospects Jordan Kyrou or Klim Kostin, may have to be involved as well. One thing is clear, though: If Doug Armstrong truly wants to take a run at Hall, he has the ammunition to do so.
The Taylor Hall sweepstakes are officially underway, and they may not be here long.
The pending unrestricted free agent sat out New Jersey's most recent game Friday and he's expected to do so again Saturday. It appears the former Hart Trophy winner has played his last game with the Devils.
Here are the five teams with the best chances of landing the superstar forward.
Colorado Avalanche
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
Record: 21-8-3 (1st in Central) Cap space this season: $6.4M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $23.6M
No team is in a better position to land Hall and his $6-million cap hit. The Avalanche check off all the boxes: They are Stanley Cup contenders, hold the necessary draft pick capital, boast a prospect pipeline bursting with talent, and have ample cap space this season and moving forward for a possible extension.
Colorado may be the best team in the NHL, and the addition of Hall would turn it into the clear Cup favorite. He could suit up alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen on the top line or anchor a second line with Nazem Kadri and one of Joonas Donskoi or Andre Burakovsky. Either way, the Avs would become a legitimate nightmare for opponents.
Whether the Devils are looking for forward or defense help, the Avs have it. Forwards Shane Bowers (acquired from the Senators in the Matt Duchene trade) and Martin Kaut are both former first-round picks. If the Avalanche refuse to part with 2019 fourth overall pick Bowen Byram, they could dangle blue-liner Conor Timmins, the 32nd selection in 2017, as a part of a big package.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 18-10-4 (3rd in Metropolitan) Cap space this season: $1.5M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $22.75M
Don't put anything past Jim Rutherford.
The Penguins are enjoying an outstanding season so far despite having both Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the lineup for just six of the team's 32 games. Don't be surprised if the savvy, veteran general manager makes a splash to give his squad another shot at a Stanley Cup while Sid and Geno are still elite.
Pittsburgh's farm system isn't what you'd consider rich. However, defenseman Pierre-Olivier Joseph (acquired from the Coyotes in the Phil Kessel trade) plus 2019 first-rounder Samuel Poulin and additional draft picks could get it done.
Pittsburgh may have to include struggling forward Alex Galchenyuk ($4.9 million AAV) in the deal to make it work cap-wise. Galchenyuk is a pending UFA, but the Devils could showcase him until the trade deadline to build his value before flipping him to another team.
Nashville Predators
Jeff Vinnick / National Hockey League / Getty
Record: 14-11-5 (6th in Central) Cap space this season: $2.6M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $12M
David Poile is another general manager who isn't a stranger to a blockbuster trade. Poile and Devils GM Ray Shero have recent history too, as the Predators sent P.K. Subban to New Jersey this past summer.
The Preds are currently on the outside of the playoff picture looking in, but they have games in hand, and it feels like the organization is in win-now mode. Hall could help it reach the playoffs, and if Pekka Rinne or Juuse Saros get hot, this team is capable of going on a run.
Someone like pending UFA Craig Smith ($4.25 million AAV) may have to be included for cap reasons, but the Devils could also retain up to 50% of Hall's salary. Nashville could use highly touted prospects Philip Tomasino and Eeli Tolvanen, along with a collection of draft picks, as trade bait.
New York Islanders
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 21-7-2 (2nd in Metropolitan) Cap space this season: $6M Projected 2020-21 cap space: $17.3M
Lou Lamoriello has remained quiet amid all the Hall rumors, but the "Godfather" could have some tricks up his sleeve.
The Islanders have been one of the league's most consistent teams this season, but adding another much-needed game-breaking talent alongside Mathew Barzal would go a long way in helping the team's Stanley Cup chances.
Both Barzal and Ryan Pulock are RFAs this summer, but the Islanders would likely still have enough cap space to offer Hall a long-term contract.
In addition to the necessary cap space, the Islanders also have multiple high-end prospects, including 2018 first-round picks Oliver Wahlstrom and Noah Dobson. Since Shero would be negotiating with a division rival, he'd be wise to demand at least one of them as part of a hefty package.
St. Louis Blues
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
Record: 19-8-6 (2nd in Central) Cap space this season: $20,326 Projected 2020-21 cap space: $7.72M
Why not try and make it back-to-back Stanley Cups, right?
Cap space may be tight, but there's a way to navigate this. Goaltender Jake Allen, who carries a $4.35-million hit this season and next, could head the other way. Allen owns a sparkling .925 save percentage during his resurgent season and could potentially help solve New Jersey's goaltending woes.
Obviously, other pieces, such as prospects Jordan Kyrou or Klim Kostin, may have to be involved as well. One thing is clear, though: If Doug Armstrong truly wants to take a run at Hall, he has the ammunition to do so.
The 27-year-old has only made six appearances for the Canucks this season, recording two assists. He's spent the majority of his campaign with the AHL's Utica Comets, posting 22 points in 15 games.
"I am not happy with the way this season has gone for Sven," Baertschi's agent, Andre Rufener, said, per Dhaliwal. "He played well when he was in the NHL. In my opinion, he did not get the opportunity he needed.
Rufener added: "We would like to get traded, I am in contact with (GM) Jim Benning, he knows that."
Baertschi was limited to 26 games with the Canucks last season due to injuries, tallying nine goals and 14 points.
The Calgary Flames drafted him 13th overall in 2011.
The New Jersey Devils are withholding Taylor Hall from the lineup on Friday night against the Colorado Avalanche for precautionary reasons, the team announced just before the opening faceoff.
However, New Jersey had nothing to report on a potential trade, a club spokesman told reporters, including The Athletic's Corey Masisak.
Philadelphia Flyers forward Oskar Lindblom has been diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma and is not expected to return for the remainder of the season, the team announced Friday.
Ewing's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the bones or the surrounding soft tissue. Lindblom will undergo further testing and evaluation next week and begin treatment immediately after.
The 23-year-old winger was enjoying a career season in his third year with the Flyers. Lindblom has contributed 18 points and is tied for the team lead with 11 goals through 30 games.
Selected by Philadelphia in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Draft, Lindblom has amassed 30 goals and 57 points over 134 contests.
San Jose Sharks general manager Doug Wilson said he couldn't allow himself to repeat a mistake.
Five seasons ago, as his team struggled out of the gate, Wilson opted to keep head coach Todd McLellan employed through 82 games. The Sharks ultimately missed the playoffs. Wilson made it known he's learned a lesson, so he dismissed Pete DeBoer on Wednesday after a 15-16-2 start to the current campaign.
"Who knows what it's going to take, and where you're going to have to get to to make the playoffs, but we will never give up on this season," Wilson told reporters Thursday in San Jose, a few hours before the Sharks played the Rangers. "We know that if we play the right way, we feel ... that we can put ourselves in that position. How we perform will dictate what we do later in the year, but there is just something about our team (that's off)."
Ezra Shaw / Getty Images
Wilson referred to this "off"-ness multiple times during his media availability, noting that the underachieving squad had developed an energy problem under DeBoer and should benefit from a new leading voice in the dressing room. Bob Boughner, in his first season as DeBoer's assistant, has taken over on an interim basis, inheriting a litany of problems and the league's seventh-worst points percentage one-third of the way into the schedule.
"I really do believe this team has more," said Boughner, the head coach of the Florida Panthers the last two seasons.
That's the crux of the coaching switcheroo: Does this veteran-laden, top-heavy team really have more to give, or is Wilson's first in-season coaching change during a 17-year stint as GM simply a shot in the dark?
Let's not forget the Sharks collected the sixth-most regular-season wins in the NHL during DeBoer's tenure, hitting the 45- or 46-win mark in the four previous seasons. They made the 2016 Stanley Cup Final and the 2019 conference finals. Despite failing to win it all, San Jose accomplished plenty. But the Sharks have already been trying to forestall the inevitable closure of their contention window for a couple of years. Based on the eye test and underlying numbers, they seem closer this season to an average team than an elite one.
"Have we played up to our expectations? No, we haven't," Wilson said. "Have we been inconsistent? Yes, we have."
Brandon Magnus / Getty Images
For starters, San Jose's goaltending has been atrocious. (The team has been horribly undisciplined, too, but luckily has the league's best penalty kill.) The Sharks also struggle to generate high-quality shots, leaving them 24th in goals scored (2.64 per game), and have trouble suppressing high-quality shots and goals against at five-on-five (2.67, 31st).
Here's a look at the even-strength numbers through 33 games:
It's fair to suggest that unless Boughner can unlock something hidden beneath the surface, the era of franchise glory has probably ended. Captain Joe Pavelski, Gustav Nyquist, and Joonas Donskoi - three key contributors - left in the offseason. Successful Sharks teams have dined out on what Boughner calls "attack mode," and the current core may be too old to suddenly produce this brand of swarming offense.
Let's pretend that Wilson miraculously solves the goalie issue over the next year or so, and the Martin Jones/Aaron Dell duo is no longer a nightly liability. What then for this capped-out team? Not only is San Jose tied with Minnesota for the oldest roster in a young man's league, it has five players making at least $7 million a year for the foreseeable future. Evander Kane, Logan Couture, Erik Karlsson, Brent Burns, and Marc-Edouard Vlasic are still fine players in their own ways, but they're also aged 30, 28, 29, 34, and 32, respectively. Both Thornton and Patrick Marleau are 40 - way past their best-before dates.
Brandon Magnus / Getty Images
The Sharks' prospect pipeline isn't overflowing with blue-chippers, and the club doesn't own a first-round pick in the 2020 draft thanks to the Karlsson trade. A quick retool doesn't appear to be available. Even if Timo Meier and Tomas Hertl - 23 and 26, respectively, and oozing with talent - break through as dominant stars, which may still happen, it likely won't be enough to keep the Sharks in contention for division or conference titles in the near future.
Only one team wins the Cup each year. You can be a model franchise for decades, with an excellent culture and smart people in charge, and still lack a championship to show for it. Luck, timing, and other uncontrollable variables have a great effect on results. That's essentially what's happened with San Jose. Boughner will do what he can over the rest of the season, but it's up to Wilson to determine if this is the start of the end or the beginning of a resurgence.
At this point in the season and the core's collective career arc, the smart money is on this being the end of the road.
